Fit camps come to Hume’s parks

People across Hume may soon witness more fitness classes in parks, after Council agreed to support the private exercise initiative Live Life Get Active.

Hume City Council is set to make it possible for Live Life Get Active to offer free group sessions, known as active camps, with the first to be established from 16 June 2016 at Yuroke Creek/Interpretive Reserve in Westmeadows.

Hume Mayor, Councillor Helen Patsikatheodorou, said the Live Life Get Active initiative provided a simple way for people to improve their health.

“The active camps take place at parks across Australia and enable people to join in physical exercises across 40 weeks,” Cr Patsikatheodorou said.

“Professional trainers guide participants as they learn some proven ways to stay fit, and the camps assist people to develop the habit of regular exercise.

“The organisers of Live Life Get Active help to identify personal health goals, and give some terrific tips on how to improve diet and lifestyle.

“It is open to anyone who is aged 18 and over, and the active camps cater to people of all fitness levels.”

Live Life Get Active is a social enterprise that’s part-owned by former Australian Olympian Jane Flemming.

The initiative is funded by a variety of corporate entities, including supermarkets and housing developers.

Its active camps occur at 72 sites throughout Australia, including in Victoria at Docklands and Wantirna South.

Cr Patsikatheodorou said Hume City Council was pleased to support Live Life Get Active.

“We’ll offer Council’s parks to Live Life Get Active for free, and help the trainers to store their exercise equipment,” she said.

“It’s really important that we present ways for residents to get fit, because research in 2011-12 indicated that more than half of Hume’s population was overweight or obese.

“I hope people will come to these active camps with others from their local neighbourhood, and Council particularly calls on women to take advantage of the exercise sessions.

“Around 90 per cent of members at sports clubs in Hume are male, so Live Life Get Active provides a wonderful chance for women to join a regular and healthy pursuit.”

Hume City Council will promote the active camps to residents and employees at local businesses via this website.

Cr Patsikatheodorou said exercise achieved so many important things.

“People who are fit have less risk of chronic disease, like cancer or diabetes,” she said.

“Regular exercise can also help people to feel better and possess a positive outlook on life.

“Now is a good time to start a fitness habit, with the excitement of the Rio Olympics just weeks away.

“I’m sure the Live Life Get Active camps will allow many residents to make new friends as they get to know others from their local neighbourhood.”